Transforming PH civil service to achieve world class excellence

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Sep 24, 2024 06:08 AM

  

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A competent, capable and dedicated civil service corps is a vital element in effective governance, that is, in turn, the key driver in the growth and prosperity of a nation.

This September marks the observance of the 124th anniversary of the Philippine civil service with the theme, Transforming Public Service in the Next Decade: Honing Agile and Future Ready Servant-Heroes. Evidently, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) aspires to eventually join the elite ranks of countries that, by dint of exemplary governance, have attained preeminent prosperity. This year’s theme beams the spotlight on capacity building that starts with individual talent development.

For such individuals to thrive, an environment that fosters excellence is a vital prerequisite. Several national agencies and local government units levelled up their organizational capabilities by installing rigorous processes of quality management. This is pursuant to the Republic Act 9013, the Philippine Quality Award Act which is aligned with world-class programs such as the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award established by the US Congress in 1987.

Among those that have received recognition for Commitment to Quality Management are the National Statistics Office, presently known as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Technical Education and Skills Development Administration (TESDA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region XI and Region IV-A offices, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region XII, and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Among local government units, the City Government of Marikina has been cited for Proficiency in Quality Management. Cited for Commitment to Quality Management were the City Government of Makati and the City Government of Tanauan.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has institutionalized an annual Honor Awards Program comprising of the Presidential Lingkod ng Bayan (Servant of the Nation), the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Award or Dangal ng Bayan, and the Pag-asa ng Bayan, or Hope of the Nation.

The Presidential Lingkod ng Bayan recognizes “exceptional contributions through innovative ideas or impactful actions of national significance, particularly in the areas of public interest, security and patrimony.” The Dangal ng Bayan Award is given to those who have exemplified adherence to the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The Pag-asa ng Bayan Award is given to those who have contributed to beneficial programs in specific government agencies.

As it aspires toward attaining greater heights, the CSC may also wish to benchmark itself with global excellence standards such as the International Civil Service Effectiveness Index (InCISE) established by the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government in 2019. The InCISE rated 38 countries on “(c)ore executive functions including policy-making and fiscal and financial management services” and “mission support facilities including human resource management (HR) and information technology.”  

The top 10 countries in its honor roll were: England, New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Australia, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, South Korea and Sweden. Particularly instructive is the example set by South Korea which “takes the top spot in transparency of public spending and budget practices.” It also excelled in human resource management. Such excellence in governance manifests the existence of a vibrant meritocracy.

Truly, the CSC can achieve much by aligning itself with best practices in talent development and management that enables the country’s civil servants to attain world-class competencies.

Pinay chessers snare Group B gold in Chess Olympiad

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Sep 23, 2024 03:18 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Philippines blanked Brazil, 4-0, and achieved so many breakthroughs in the women’s division of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad that just came to a close Sunday, Sept. 22, at the BOK Sports Hall here.

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BUDAPEST—The Philippines blanked Brazil, 4-0, and achieved so many breakthroughs in the women’s division of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad that just came to a close Sunday, Sept. 22, at the BOK Sports Hall here.

GM Eugene Torre, far left, along with Filipina chessers who bag gold in  Group B gold in Chess Olympiad

Shania Mae Mendoza, Janelle Mae Frayna, Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Ruelle Canino pulled off victories across all boards as the Filipinas finished tied for 22nd place with 14 match points with 14 others and 24th overall after tiebreaks were applied.

That sealed the country, which was bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission and backed by NCFP chief Butch Pichay, the gold medal in Group B, confined to the 35th to the 70th ranked countries in the 181-country field, ahead of Montenegro and Latvia.

It was the first mint for the country since the women’s squad of Sheerie Joey Lomibao, Catherine Pereña, Sherily Cua and Beverly Mendoza struck gold in Group C in the 2006 Turin edition.

It was also the Filipinas’ best finish since the squad of Girme Fontanilla, Mila Emperado and Cristina Santos-Fidaer’s 22nd-place effort in 1988 in Thessaloniki, Greece.

“This is a milestone in Philippine chess history, a legacy that will not be forgotten for the generations to come,” said national women’s coach Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, who also thanked delegation head Atty. Ruel Canobas, women’s team manager Atty. Nikki de Vega and Far Eastern University chair Aurelio Montinolam III for their support.
The Filipinas also surpassed their 36th-place performance two years ago in Chennai, India.

Apart from these feats, all five players earned plus rating points with Canino, the 16-year-old wonder girl from Cagayan de Oro and FEU, raking in 102 whopping rating points after scoring six points in eight games at board four. 

Canino will rise to 2260, which will include rating points she accumulated in several tournaments in Europe months before.

She barely missed sealing her first Woman International Master norm by just one game.

Frayna was the best scorer with eight points out of 11 with plus 27 rating points, while Mendoza, from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, had 5.5 out of 10 with 36.2 rating points while manning the top board.

Fronda, who is from Muntinlupa, had 6.5 out of 10 and was a plus 0.60 while Bernadette Galas three of five with plus 8.8.

The Filipinas’ effort somehow soothed the pain of the 59th place finish by the men’s team of Julio Catalino Sadorra, Daniel Quizon, Paulo Bersamina, John Paul Gomez and Jan Emmanuel Garcia and mentored by Eugene Torre with 12 points.

The country was actually tied for 15th spot with Sadorra running third and in medal contention in the individual board one race after the ninth round of this 11-round tilt but dropped their last two outings to Georgia, 2.5-1.5, and Hungary B, 3-1.

Sadorra eventually ended up 13th at board one but still had a strong performance rating of 2715 after scoring 6.5 points out of nine.

India topped both open and women’s events as well as the Gaprindashvili Cup, a plum for a country with the highest combined score of both its men’s and women’s teams.

19 Miss Grand PH candidates to compete for crown on Sept. 29

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Sep 24, 2024 09:19 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Aside from the main title, the country's representative to the Universal Woman 2025 pageant will also be chosen on Sept. 29.

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Miss Grand Philippines 2024 candidates are presented to the media in Makati City a week before the coronation night (Ezel John/Pageantry Fanatics)

Nineteen lovely women from all over the country were presented to the media yesterday as the official candidates for Miss Grand Philippines 2024, which will have its coronation night on Sunday, Sept. 29, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.

The winner, who will be proclaimed that night, will then fly to Bangkok, Thailand, on Oct. 3 for the start of the competition for Miss Grand International 2024, with the finals set for Oct. 25. The MGI crown has so far eluded the Philippines since its participation, with Filipina queens Nicole Cordoves (2016) and Samantha Bernardo (2020) getting as far as placing first runner-up.

Aside from the main title, the country's representative to the Universal Woman 2025 pageant will also be chosen on Sept. 29. The reigning queen is the Philippines' Maria Gigante who bested 47 other contestants from all over the world in the Universal Woman 2024 pageant held in Cambodia last March.

Present during the presentation of candidates were (from left): Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2023 Francine Reyes, Miss Grand Philippines National Director Arnold Vegafria, Miss Grand Philippines 2023 Nikki De Moura and Universal Woman 2024 Maria Gigante (Annalyn Jusay)

The complete list of Miss Grand Philippines 2024 contestants are as follows:

1. Zsarlene Mae Anicete (Batangas)

2. Isabel Dawson (Bulacan)

3. Marinel Salvador (Cabanatuan)

4. Chloe Guatno (Camarines Norte)

5. Christine Juliane Opiaza (Castillejos, Zambales)

6. Julianne Rose Reyes (Cavite)

7. Geralyn Basto de Klerke (Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental)

8. Carrhyll Manicad (Malabon)

9. Jubilee Therese Acosta (Manila)

10. Mikaela Jane Fajardo (Marilao, Bulacan)

11. Alyssa Marie Geronimo (Nueva Ecija)

12 . Sophia Bianca Santos (Pampanga)

13. Jenesse Viktoria Mejia (Pangasinan)

14. Selena Antonio-Reyes (Pasig City)

15. Angel Bianca Agustin (Quezon City)

16. Anna Margaret Mercado (Quirino)

17. Samantha Margaret Babila (Rizal)

18. Diana Mariel Valendia (Sta. Mesa, Manila)

19. Patricia Mcgee (Zambales)

Of the 19 in the list, most are joining a national beauty contest for the first time while four have either placed or won in other prominent competitions. These include Candidate No. 5, CJ Opiaza, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 first runner-up; Candidate No. 9, Jubilee Therese Acosta, Miss Manila 2024 first runner-up; Candidate No. 12, Sophia Bianca Santos, Miss World Philippines 2024 2nd Princess; and Candidate No. 14, Selena Antonio-Reyes, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Top 20.

Opiaza believed that winning the elusive MGI crown was just a matter of timing. "I want to credit all the past queens who tried their best to get the crown. However, it's just like the perfect timing for all of us. It would not hinder us, even if it's just a week of preparation or just a few days before the international (pageant), because Filipinas are always ready. And we are always ready to brave whatever challenge will come our way."

Favorite female acts to ignite Philippines music scene these ‘Ber’ months

 

2NE1, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa and BINI

Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — From Olivia Rodrigo to 2NE1’s reunion concert, the remaining “Ber” months will feature a notable lineup of artists who will grace the Philippine music scene.

Come Sept. 24, APO Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo will stage a benefit concert called “APO Sings for HOPE” at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier in observance of the World Leukemia Awareness Month this month.

On Sept. 27, the “Concert King” Martin Nievera will hold his “The King 4Ever” show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum while American rock band The Maine will be at the Skydome, SM City North EDSA for their two-night concert on Sept. 27 and 28.

English singer-songwriter Anne Marie will return to Manila for her 2024 gig at The Podium Hall in Ortigas on Sept. 28 while cover band Hindley Street Country Club will play the next night at the New Frontier Theater.

Olivia Rodrigo will open the month of October with a bang as she brings her “GUTS World Tour” to the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Oct. 5. All Silver Star Tickets were priced at P1,500, including taxes and fees, and the net ticket proceeds will go to Olivia’s nonprofit Fund 4 Good. Concert promoter Live Nation Philippines announced that seats will be assigned randomly to fans and may include a variety of options within the venue, such as limited-view seats, lower and upper-level seating, as well as floor. The seat locations will be revealed upon receiving the claim ticket voucher on Sept. 28 at 12:00 a.m. More than 700,000 queued online for Olivia’s tickets.

On the other hand, the Manila Symphony Orchestra will showcase Beethoven’s symphonies and musical works, with Alexander Vikulov as guest conductor, at the Aliw Theater on Oct. 5, while The Philippine Madrigal Singers – IntenSIXTY will take place at the PICC Plenary Hall, Pasay City on the same day. “NE-YO: Champagne and Roses Tour Live in Manila” will be on Oct. 8 and 9 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano will stage a benefit concert “GARYV BACK @ MC” on Oct. 11 at the Marian Auditorium, Miriam College while Katrina Velarde will perform on the same night at the New Frontier Theater.

American pop rock band LANY will carry out the Philippine leg of their “LANY - a beautiful blur: the world tour” on Oct. 12 at the Philippine Arena and at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino on Oct. 13, 14 and 15.

Karpos Multimedia’s Asian music festival and conference, dubbed “Asiya,” will take place on Oct. 12 and 13 at the World Trade Center while the South Korean boy group ZEROBASEONE, organized by Pulp Live World Productions Inc., will hold the Manila leg of their “2024 ZEROBASEONE THE FIRST TOUR TIMELESS WORLD” on Oct. 12 at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

This will be followed by Big Time Rush on Oct. 17 at the New Frontier Theater, EXO’s Chanyeol on Oct. 19 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Arthur Nery on Oct. 25 and SB19’s sixth anniversary celebration by Dunkin’ on Oct. 26, also at the coliseum.

The Bootleg Beatles band will sing Beatles hits on Oct. 26 at The Theatre At Solaire, David Pomeranz will be in Baguio on Oct. 27 for his “Born For You with David Pomeranz,” and “Diamond Soul Siren” Nina will celebrate her birthday via a concert Oct. 30 at The Theatre At Solaire.

Happening on Nov. 3 is GOT7 member Yugyeom’s “Trusty” tour at the Skydome, SM North EDSA and HORI7ON’s second concert called “DAYTOUR: HORI7ON HIGH” at MOA Arena.

After which, Tate McRae will perform on Nov. 4 at the New Frontier Theater, Lea Salonga on Nov. 4 and 5 at The Theatre At Solaire, The Kid LAROI on Nov. 5 at the New Frontier Theater and Michael Learns to Rock on Nov. 5 at the MOA Arena.

“Ice Seguerra: Videoke Hits (Isa Pa!)” and “The Streetboys Reunion Dance Concert” are set on Nov. 8 at the Music Museum and at the New Frontier Theater, respectively.

Hillsong Church London Worship Live in Manila is scheduled on Nov. 9 and 10 at the MOA Arena, British-Canadian singer Matt Maltese gig on Nov. 9 at the Skydome, Dua Lipa’s “Radical Optimism Tour” on Nov. 13 at the Philippine Arena, and Manila Symphony Orchestra’s “A Night at the Pops,” with special guests Barbie Almalbis, Jason Dhakal, Arthur Miguel, and Lola Amour on Nov. 15 at the New Frontier Theater.

The much-awaited comeback of K-pop girl group 2NE1 is finally happening on Nov. 16. The ticketing, venue, and other details will be released soon. Also on Nov. 16 is the first day of P-pop girl group BINI’s “Grand Biniverse Concert” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with succeeding shows to be held on Nov. 17 and 18.

South Korean boy band Stray Kids will take over the Philippine Arena on Nov. 23, The Chameleons on Nov. 21 at the Midas Tent, Midas Hotel and Casino, and Shinee’s Taemin on Nov. 24 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Three events are slated on Nov. 29: Maki at the New Frontier Theater, Juan Karlos at the MOA Arena, and Fiji Blue at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura. Filipino rapper Andrew E. will hold a major concert for the first time in 34 years at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City on Dec. 11.

Meanwhile, Davaoeños will experience the Aurora Music Festival Davao 2024, featuring Ely Buendia, Arthur Nery, Moira and Cup of Joe, on Nov. 30 at the Crocodile Park Concert Grounds Davao Riverfront.

On Dec. 3, Akon will headline the V1BE Manila by L-Squared Productions at the MOA Arena. He will be joined on stage by EZ Mil, Lucas, Flow G, Gloc-9, and other artists.

Soft rock duo Air Supply will render their “The Lost in Love Experience” music events in Bacolod (SMX Convention Center) on Dec. 5, in Cebu (Waterfront Hotel & Casino) on Dec. 9 and in Davao (SMX Convention Center) on Dec. 11.

American DJ Porter Robinson will launch the Manila leg of his “SMILE! :D WORLD TOUR” at The Podium Hall and indie pop rock band from Australia, Last Dinosaurs, at the Skydome, on Dec. 8.

Two days later, Japanese singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze will take his “Best of Fujii Kaze 2020-2024 ASIA TOUR,” presented by Ovation Productions, at the MOA Arena while The Philippine Madrigal Singers will have their “2007 Reunion Concert The Repeat” on Dec. 29 at The Theatre At Solaire.

Bottega Veneta goes for 'E.T.' chic as Madonna pops into D&G

 

Philstar.com

September 23, 2024 | 9:14am

MILAN, Italy Milan — Fashion Week came to a close on Saturday with its share of surprises, not least an unlikely source of inspiration for Bottega Veneta's much-anticipated evening show.

"For this show, I took as my starting point the scene from Spielberg's film 'E.T.', when the mother opens the closet to reveal a world of stuffed animals..." Bottega Veneta's artistic director Matthieu Blazy explained backstage.

"The surprise of an imaginary world, the world of childhood, where everything is possible, where everything is a game, a joy, an adventure," he said.

Blazy sought to recreate children trying on their parents' clothing, or even the first day of school, "when parents have prepared the perfect outfit for their child, who comes back with everything upside down."

That resulted in dresses just a bit too big, outfits with one leg in pants, the other in a skirt, superimpositions or creases.

As for the dress embroidered with matches?

"It's the object of childhood's forbidden game, intrepid and dangerous," he said.

Earlier Saturday, no less a superstar than Madonna sat in the front row of the Dolce & Gabbana show -- her face barely visible under a black lace veil.

The catwalk became a tribute to the "Material Girl", with all models in blond wigs, some in corsets with pointy breasts, others in black men's tuxedos embellished with trouser braces.

But at Bottega Veneta, not only fashion fans were watching, but investors too.

Founded in 1966 in Vicenza in the northeastern Italian region of Veneto, the label renowned for its woven leather goods and expert craftsmanship became a part of France's Kering group in 2001.

And with Kering's flagship brand Gucci currently in a sales dive -- down 20 percent in the first half of this year -- the company is hoping to make the most of its smaller and less showy Italian brand.

In the first half of 2024, Bottega Veneta posted revenue growth of three percent to 836 million euros ($933 million), whereas Gucci's revenue, while down significantly, was 4.1 billion euros -- nearly half of Kering's entire revenue of nine billion euros.

So while Bottega Veneto may be a drop in the the luxury group's ocean, it is a promising one -- and one that goes hand in hand with its distinctive approach to fashion.

A coveted brand that is notably absent from social networks, Bottega Veneta thrives on discreet hyper-exclusivity, led by the Franco-Belgian Blazy, who took over as creative director at the end of 2021.

Tell-tale 'intrecciato'

With sumptuous materials that flirt with trompe-l'oeil and cult pieces such as jeans-like pants in buttery calf leather selling for 5,200 euros, Bottega Veneta has built up considerable cult status in recent years under Blazy.

The brand eschews logos on its products, instead letting its famous "intrecciato", or signature woven leather, speak for itself, or incorporating a brass "nodo" or knot as an essential design element into shoes and other accessories.

The brand has also strategically snubbed social networks. In 2021, it deleted its Instagram account only for fans to take over an unofficial "newbottega" account so as not to miss any of the latest news.

Passionate about contemporary art and design, Blazy fuels the brand's projects through collaborations with photographers and creatives.

Some are even revealed during fashion shows themselves, such as last year's 400 chairs designed by furniture and art designer Gaetano Pesce, who died in April, or the February homage to architect Le Corbusier with a reinterpretation of his Tabouret Cabanon.

The recent opening of Palazzo Van Axel in Venice will now welcome Bottega Veneta's exclusive clients to discover the world of the brand in a fully restored palace in the heart of the watery city.

There, personalised services include the opportunity to choose from luxurious leathers or unique pieces not available in stores.

The palace will also host exhibitions, special projects and the presentation of Bottega Veneta's high-end jewellery collection in November.

350,000 kilos of trash collected from 250 coastal areas in cleanup drive—DENR

BY JEL SANTOS

Sep 22, 2024 05:09 PM

  

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(DENR PHOTO)

More than 350,000 kilograms of trash were collected from 250 coastal sites nationwide  during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) held on Saturday, Sept. 21, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

The cleanup drive, which seeks to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems, gathered a total of 352,479 kilograms of trash and debris, ranging from plastics to other waste materials.

According to DENR, a total of 74,075 volunteers from 1,913 government, academe, and private sector organizations collected trash at beaches, riverbanks, and coastlines.

The agency said the cleanup drive started from the northernmost Pasuquin municipality in the Ilocos Region to the southernmost Gian municipality in the Socksargen Region.

The information gathered during the cleanup, according to the DENR, will help identify the kinds of waste impacting the nation's waters, informing future efforts in conservation, waste recovery, and resource utilization. Recyclable trash will be delivered to the nearest Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga said that this year represents a key milestone in the Philippines' ongoing commitment to coastal cleanliness and environmental conservation.

“With the ICC 2024 theme, ‘Clean Seas for Blue Economy’, this year’s cleanup not only aimed to address immediate pollution but also sought to inspire long-term behavioral changes among communities, encouraging everyone to reduce waste and participate in ongoing clean-up initiatives,” she said in her speech.

“Today, we witnessed an incredible outpouring of support and dedication from Filipinos who care deeply about our environment. As we celebrate the 30th year of the International Coastal Cleanup in the Philippines, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our coastal resources and promoting sustainable practices that protect our marine ecosystems,” she went on.

President Marcos had earlier identified climate change and improper waste disposal as key contributors to the severe flooding in Metro Manila.

The ICC is one of the world’s largest volunteer initiatives, with over 150 countries and millions of participants annually. The Philippines began taking part in the ICC around 1994, and in 2003, the government formalized its participation through Presidential Proclamation 470, designating the third Saturday of September as the official ICC day in the country.

‘Disaster-proofing’ strategies for coping with calamities

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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Disaster preparedness programs have become a part of many government agencies’ responsibilities and this concept has been introduced to various sectors. 

Recently, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that it has implemented the “disaster-proofing” of its strategies to continue its programs and services amid disaster situations. 

“Disaster-proofing” measures highlight the continuous study and testing of systems for disaster response especially when conditions do not allow communications or travel to affected areas. 

One of the measures is how to respond to the most vulnerable communities that may become isolated from help.  Family Development Sessions teaching disaster preparedness were conducted for the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) that are among the most vulnerable communities who would be affected by recurring disasters.

For the response teams, the sessions also included a review and demonstration of the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Operation Listo program which has established local protocols for disaster preparedness.  The module teaches preparedness for tropical cyclones, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

The agency’s disaster response has been strengthened by the anticipatory action (AA), an innovative humanitarian approach that systematically links early warnings to a set of interventions aimed at protecting at-risk families and their assets ahead of a hazard, using science-based forecasts and risk analysis.
A good project that supports this initiative is the Building on Social Protection for Anticipatory Action and Response in Emergencies and Disasters (B-SPARED).  It was launched in August 2023 and is a collaboration of the DSWD and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), supported by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.

In two pilot areas in Mindanao, the anticipatory action concept was demonstrated through the simulation exercises on the effectiveness of B-SPARED, particularly government systems and processes that support its implementation.  One exercise was the simulation of flood interventions where cash pay-outs and the distribution of drums for storage of agricultural products were tested.  The drums with tight lids provide protection for the livelihood of the farmers.

The simulation exercise also tested the collaboration of provincial and local government partners, the private sector and local communities to protect the resiliency of the poor and vulnerable in times of disasters.

It is good to know that government is always active in testing and updating its systems to respond to any situation, especially on natural disasters like strong typhoons and floods.  Approximately 20 typhoons enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility every year.

This kind of anticipatory action should also be adopted by private companies and households as a guide on disaster preparedness.  Strong typhoons have been bringing continuous rains to many parts of the country, especially in the south, in the last few weeks.  Disaster preparedness is not only for those living in the urban areas where floodwaters come usually after heavy rainfall.  

It’s time to think about what kind of anticipatory action 

Michelle Dee is excited to be a fashion reporter

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Sep 23, 2024 08:24 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Michelle, or MMD, announced the new development in her life when she turned over the money she won in the "Voice for Change Challenge" of Miss Universe 2023 to her chosen beneficiary, the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP). The prize was P684,000 (or $12,000).

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Michelle Marquez Dee (Instagram)

Beauty queen, model, and Kapuso artist Michelle Dee is excited to wear a different hat as a fashion correspondent for Vogue Philippines when she attends Paris Fashion Week from Sept. 23 to Oct. 1.

Michelle, or MMD, announced the new development in her life when she turned over the money she won in the "Voice for Change Challenge" of Miss Universe 2023 to her chosen beneficiary, the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP). The prize was P684,000 (or $12,000).

"It feels so fulfilling because (Voice for Change)  was part of the Miss Universe competition I worked the hardest for. And for us to receive a tangible amount, to be able just to set things in motion, to help over 100 chapters around the Philippines, this can really go a long way," Michelle said at the check turnover ceremony in Antipolo City which ASP officials and Miss Universe Philippines national director Jonas Gaffud also attended. 

Michelle Dee presents her check donation to a very happy Mona Magno-Veluz, national president of the Autism Society of the Philippines

The priority program of her award will be the provision of employment to those on the autism spectrum. "We have employed and provided training to over 300 individuals, and we believe this number can grow exponentially," Michelle stated.

Of her Vogue stint, the 29-year old beauty revealed that the offer just came to her one day. She revealed that she's preparing for her role as a "correspondent" by doing "research, research, research."

"It's just being able to know what you're doing, what you're talking about, the pieces, the story behind it. Again, I'm grateful to be guided by people who have done it. And also because I am a fashionista, I know I'm very passionate about it," she pointed out.

"Paris " is very exciting because it feels like we're wearing a Miss Universe wardrobe. I mean, of course, the style isn't for a pageant, but, again, I'm highlighting a lot of young and well-established designers," she added.

Miss Universe PH 2023 Michelle Dee with MUPH National Director Jonas Gaffud  (center) and a beneficiary from the Autism Society of the Philippines (left)

After Paris, Michelle is scheduled to cover Los Angeles Fashion Week next. She bared that her new career made her mom, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, "happy."

"My mom is just happy that I'm traveling. She's happy I can explore outside Miss Universe because she knows I took that job very seriously. And I didn't allow myself to plan outside of that because I focused on that career. My mom is glad I can explore and experience even a little bit of what she experienced when she was younger. She calls me every day and checks on me," she shared.

Michelle, however, clarified that she's not leaving the country for good. "I have amazing opportunities abroad. But as I said, the Philippines will always be my home base. I will always be proud to call the Philippines my home."